In the Latest News, the Congress party has clearly separated itself from senior leader Shashi Tharoor’s comments defending BJP veteran LK Advani’s Rath Yatra from the 1990s. The party said Tharoor’s views were his own and not the official position of Congress.
Congress leader Pawan Khera, who heads the party’s Media and Publicity department, stated that Tharoor “speaks for himself.” Khera added that the fact Tharoor continues to make such remarks while being part of the Congress Working Committee and serving as an MP only shows the “liberal and democratic spirit” of the party.
“Like always, Dr Shashi Tharoor speaks for himself, and the Indian National Congress outrightly dissociates itself from his most recent statement. That he continues to do so as a Congress MP and CWC member reflects the essential democratic and liberal spirit unique to the INC,” Khera said on social media platform X.
Tharoor’s Praise for LK Advani
On LK Advani’s 98th birthday, Tharoor posted a heartfelt message, calling him a “true statesman.” He shared an old photograph of himself with the veteran BJP leader and praised Advani’s long service to the nation.
Tharoor described Advani’s “unwavering commitment to public service,” along with his “modesty and decency.” He added that Advani’s role in shaping modern India was “indelible” and that his “life of service has been exemplary.”
However, Tharoor’s remarks soon drew attention and criticism, as many reminded him of Advani’s Rath Yatra, a political campaign that became a defining event in India’s history.
Tharoor Defends His Statement
Facing criticism online, Tharoor responded to those questioning his views by defending his statement. He said that reducing Advani’s long political career to one controversial episode was unfair.
He compared Advani’s case to former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, saying that just as Nehru’s entire career shouldn’t be judged only by the China war setback, and Indira Gandhi’s legacy shouldn’t be defined only by the Emergency, Advani’s career also deserved a balanced view.
“Reducing his (Advani’s) long years of service to one episode, however significant, is unfair,” Tharoor wrote. “The totality of Nehruji’s career cannot be judged by the China setback, nor Indira Gandhi’s by the Emergency alone. We should extend the same courtesy to Advaniji.”
The Rath Yatra and Its Historical Impact
The Rath Yatra led by LK Advani in 1990 played a major role in shaping the political landscape of India. It was part of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which aimed to build a temple at the site of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. The movement drew massive public support and helped the BJP rise as a strong national force.
- The campaign began in Somnath, Gujarat, and was planned to end in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
- It gained enormous media attention and political traction, making Advani one of the most influential leaders of that period.
- However, the campaign also led to widespread religious tensions and violence, which eventually resulted in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.
- LK Advani and other leaders were later cleared of any criminal role by a court.
Congress Responds Firmly
Following Tharoor’s comments, several Congress leaders maintained that the party did not agree with his views. They emphasized that Congress’s stand on secularism and communal harmony remained unchanged.
Party sources said that while Congress values free speech within the organization, such statements could create confusion among the public about the party’s position on sensitive historical events.
Pawan Khera reiterated that the Congress party would continue to uphold its commitment to secularism, unity, and democratic values. He also reminded that individual leaders’ personal opinions do not represent the party’s official line.
What This Means for Indian Politics
Tharoor’s statement has sparked a political debate in Delhi and beyond. It has highlighted the ideological differences within the Congress party, where leaders often express independent opinions on issues related to historical or political figures.
At the same time, the incident reflects the continuing political relevance of the Ram Janmabhoomi issue and how it continues to shape public discourse decades later.
Political analysts say that such moments show the diversity of thought within Congress but also pose a challenge in maintaining a unified public message.
